Friday, 20 April 2012

I love the contrast reprented by these photographs. As the seasons come and go, Chi-Chi and Muffy are consistently drawn to this corner of our property. We initially created this tiny body of water with visions of good old fashioned pond hockey in mind. As much as the boys might enjoy a practice or game at the "real rink", nothing quite compares to the hours they spent with their Daddy on this ice surface - racing back and forth on growing legs, perfecting their shots (and saves) and breathing in the crisp fresh air. Although we experienced a mild winter, we took advantage of any opportunity to lace up our skates and revel in the joy of our own backyard rink.

Now that spring has sprung, our tiny pond has become a treasure trove of opportunity for learning and discovery. When one takes the time to simply sit and quietly observe, the diversity of life in this "over sized mud puddle" is absolutely mind boggling.

This evening we ventured down to the pond to check for frog eggs. We were not disappointed and discovered three large gelatinous clumps. Each of us settled into our own thoughts and space as we absorbed all the sights and activities below the surface of the water. I overheard Chi-Chi beckoning me to come quickly as he had made a very, VERY interesting discovery that he described as a teeny-tiny bunch of woven grass. I was skeptical, but I meandered over. I was fascinated by what he had discovered, which looked to be a tiny "log cabin" fashioned out of twigs and grasses. Inside this cabin, a larva or nymph of sorts was poking in and out. Back in the house, a quick Internet search revealed that he had indeed found the larva of the caddis fly. The larva of the caddis fly builds this protective covering around it's body out of debris. It spends it's lifecyle inside the case, until it finally emerges as the adult caddis fly. How fascinating is that! Seriosuly, I'm not as much of a bug lover as these boys of mine, but this is very cool!

I'm expecting endless hours of exploration and discovery in our little pond over the coming months. Who knows what other discoveries await us beneath those murky waters.

They boys spent so much time down there last summer, Mama even had time to park herself down with a lawn chair and novel....which she actually got to finish! I may have been eaten alive by mosquitos and deer flies....but the quiet contentment of my children was worth the pain and suffering

Friday, 13 April 2012

A few friends recently commented on my absence from this space! All is well in our neck of the woods. I found myself in a bit of a hibernation mode this past winter, focusing more on the practical aspects of day to day life, rather than creative endeavours.

With Spring in full swing, I'm feeling inspired on many fronts - mainly my garden. My good friend Michelle introduced me to Niki Jabbour's fabulous new book, The Year Round Vegetable Gardener. I'm not sure my poor husband is sharing in my enthusiasm for the book. It's the middle of tax season, and being an accountant, it goes without saying that he is one busy man. For the past few weeks I have been dropping "hints" that I really, REALLY need some help building a cold frame and mini hoop tunnel. He either really, REALLY loves me, or just wants me to stop talking about all my "plans" that involve his construction skills. He built me a lovely cold frame a couple of weeks ago and tonight we tackled the frame of the tunnel.

I've got very high hopes for this garden of mine in the coming months. I attended Seedy Saturday at the Wolfville Farmer's market last weekend and went a little nutty picking out seeds from both Annapolis Seeds and Hope Seeds. I'm actually giddy thinking about all the delicious veggies that will soon be coming our way. I keep reminding Hubby that once he tastes the first home-grown salad of the season, all his work (and all his listening to me talk, talk, talk) will be well worth it!

While I "patiently" wait for my tunnel to be ready for planting, I decided to finish up a project I've been picking away at for months. I dug out the knitting basket and in no time I had myself a new sweater. I actually sewed up the last of the loose ends this morning so I could wear it to my sister's birthday lunch! It is the Annabel Cardigan from Quince and Co. and I am IN LOVE with it. Although I've had great success knitting for the wee ones, I tend to find knitting for myself a bit more challenging in terms of fit and style. This sweater is a perfect fit. In fact, I've decided my wardrobe needs another one in green. What makes it so rewarding is that I dyed the yarn using goldenrod Chi-Chi and Muffy picked from our property. It's such a beautiful sunny hue.

What "spring fever" projects are you working on these days?? I'm always looking for new ideas!